ALP offers $20,000 computer-gear carrot to schools

SCHOOLS around the country will be able to apply for $20,000 grants for computing gear under a $20 million Labor election pledge.

The fund, aiming to help connect classrooms to the National Broadband Network, would let schools apply for cash to pay for information technology equipment.Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said the fund was "practical stuff, good stuff".

Already included in the May budget, the fund will help schools pay for things like video conferencing and other IT measures.